v2024.1

AXCENT

Automated CADFit of Multiple Blade Rows 

Import multi-blade row geometry in AxCent using a single geomTurbo file or multiple SUR or MCH files. Importing these rows in a single step reduces the time that is required for creating a parameterized DES file in AxCent.

 

Expanded Drilled Nozzle Geometry Control

New controls for the drilled nozzle throat diameter (area) and discharge parameters have been added. Drilled nozzles are used in many applications such as the highly loaded gas turbines used in rocket engines and cryogenic expanders.

 

Automation of CFD Including Drilled Nozzles

Drilled nozzles are now included in the integrated CFD solution. The drilled nozzle grid is generated with an IGG script and attached to the rest of the mesh. This addition allows for evaluating the stage performance, including the effect of drilled nozzle design.

Note: Only surface postprocessing is available in AxCent. For detailed post-processing, use CFDView.

Throughflow Analysis Mode Overhaul

The throughflow analysis setup is now combined in a single dialog box with numerous defaults and intelligent pre-sets. A single throughflow dialog box reduces user interaction with the solver pre-processor, and creates fail-safes to ensure that the appropriate settings are made to maximize solver success rate and stability.

 

AXIAL

Updated AXIAL-AxCent Agile Link for Drilled Nozzles

The Agile link for the drilled nozzle transfer retains the control parameters. The baseline 3D geometry is automatically generated using the desired angles and areas, without overlapping the rotor at the nozzle discharge.

Modeling end wall blockage for turbines, IGVs, and struts

A new option for end wall blockage in turbines has been added, along with new controls for compressors. These new parameters are also applicable to guide vanes and struts, and can be set to AUTO, OFF, or be set manually.

Tuning of CF-based deviation model for analysis mode

Tuning of a flow-driven approach in analysis mode with a specified throat/exit area has been added, along with a deviation model for the exit blade angle calculation with given flow path contours in RZ coordinates. CF is used to adjust the deviation angle with a gauge angle iterating equation. The equation mass flow integral in AXIAL results in the mass flow predicted by the 1D isentropic model with a CF-factor correction.

where:
             S – pitch between blades, varied with blade height 
             L – blade length from hub to tip
             β2 gauge  – span-local gauge angle, varied with blade height
             ρ2 = ρ P2,h2 – span-local density at exit, varied with blade height
             w2 = (2∙h02r-h2) 0.5 – span-local relative velocity, varied with blade height
             m2,id = ideal mass flow, per (17) or (35), but evaluated via mass averages:
                             m2,id = ρ2,id∙Ath∙w2,id  
                                       where:
                                            ρ2,id = ρP h2 , s2, s2,id  
                                            w2,id  = (2∙h02r- h2,id) 0.5  
                                            h2 , s2, ...    are mass averaged data in the span-non-uniform flow.

Note: The usage of point 2,id underlines that we are considering the general case with correction for the injected cooling flow upstream of the throat.

 

PUMPAL

Simplified Gradual Mixing Model

A new simplified gradual mixing model has been added to PUMPAL. Whereas the Full Mixout model assumes that all mixing between zones occurs immediately after the impeller exit, the Simplified Gradual Mixing model allows the mixing to occur over a longer distance in the diffuser.

 

RITAL

Additional preliminary sizing mode inputs and targets alongside corresponding UI update

Two design input methods for preliminary sizing have been added: Inlet Pressure, Exit Pressure & Power and Mass Flow, Exit Pressure & Power, providing greater flexibility in achieving an initial sizing for the machine. 

 

Implementation of leakage paths

Using the AXIAL solver, you can now model leakage paths and seals on both the shroud and backface for analysis mode. Once the branch is added, it can be fully defined in the dialog box for the corresponding path. Secondary flows such as leakage permit a more accurate modeling of performance and thrust at the early stage of the design process.

Updated thrust calculation formula

Thrust calculations have been updated to commonize thrust across all of Concepts' meanline codes. Understanding the thrust characteristics in an early stage of the design provides insights for making design decisions both for the rotor and other mechanical aspects such as rotor dynamics. 

 

Meanline programs (RITAL, COMPAL, FANPAL, PUMPAL)

Clone Map View

Create a copy of a map plot by right-clicking a plot and choosing Clone Map View from the shortcut menu. Cloning a map lets you quickly create a new plot and select a new variable to view.

Live Preview in Plots

A preview of axes parameters from a corresponding plot menu is available by right-clicking a plot and choosing Standard Plots on the shortcut menu. Use this live preview to view a plot immediately and gain further insights into a design performance.

 

TurboOPT II

Scalar Plots

Use the scalar plots to map three variables in a scatter plot. As scalar plots display relationships between numeric variables, they can indicate 1) whether the search is converging, 2) whether it is moving towards satisfactory results for multiple objectives, and 3) whether the objectives are conflicting or not.

 

Output (Python Console) Window

Use an output window to write Python commands or to view console commands, whether for the SOM model or for the internal optimizer.

All meanline programs: COMPAL, FANPAL, PUMPAL, RITAL

• Isolated use of design wizard for initial design only.
• NIST 10 option updated to include all supported REFPROP fluids.
• Exposed Enable Area Adjustment, Area Adjustment, Rotor Design Option, and Exit Depth Ratio to OLE Sheet.
• Pumpal: Automatic defaults to leakage iterations when leakage branches are added to the design.
• Pumpal: Alternate diffusion model, accessible via Macros under customDR2models.

 

MAX-PAC

Define by surface – blade and edge

Define blades or edges using surfaces instead of curves. Using surfaces to define blades or edges makes it easier and faster to define a configuration. You can also use native surfaces to provide more re-fitting options.

Change number of blade curves

Change the number of curves in your blade definition. The number of sections can affect how accurately the model matches your blade shape. Previously, to change the number of curves, you had to remove the definition, extract new curves, and then add them to the definition. This new feature reduces the required number of steps.

Add or remove points to blade definition

Add or remove points to the blade definition. Previously, to change the number of points, you had to manually edit tabular data files. Now you can change the number of points without returning to the tabular files.

Define the fillet by surface

Define the fillet by selecting a surface, which is easier than selecting an edge/curve. Constant or variable radius fillets are supported. (This option does not currently support non-radius fillets.)

Define lifting patches by surface

Define the lifting patches by selecting a surface. During selection, you can preview and set the lift direction. This feature lets you select the surface faster, without re-selecting geometry just to change the number of curves. You can also preview the lift direction without building the configuration.

Configuration UX improvements

MAX-PAC now remembers the number of curves used when you extract them for blade definition. If the edge type has not been defined when you select the geometry, you are redirected to the edge definition window.

This improves the user experience: you no longer have to change the number of sections multiple times.

Supporting SREVs for collision avoidance

Add SREVs (surfaces of revolution) to the boundary definition in the configuration for collision detection and avoidance. Previously MAX-PAC only checked for collisions between the tool and the flow-path surfaces. This method could produce a collision between the tool and the non-flow-path geometry.

SREV collision avoidance example

In the first toolpath without the use of SREVS, a collision appears. In the second toolpath with the use of SREVS, a collision is avoided. 

Tool clearance

Add a clearance distance between the tool shank and the part, which can be more robust than adding it to the blade surfaces, especially on surfaces with areas of tight curvature or in areas with little space in which to fit the tool. Tool clearance also allows for clearance between other surfaces such as the new SREV collision avoidance feature.

Hole-making — threading and tapping

New thread milling and tapping methods have been added to the hole-making operations. As threads are very common features on holes, no hole-making operation is complete without tapping and thread milling cycles.

Tool Library – Taps and thread mills

New tap and thread mill tools have been added to the tool library to support the new hole/thread making methods. Compared to other tools, taps and thread mills have unique geometries. They also have specific parameters such as pitch, needed to calculate the feed rate for the toolpath.

Threadmill definition

 

U-Pass, Blade-to-Blade update

When using flank milling with the new blade-to-blade U-Pass method, the tool orientation automatically adjusts gouges greater than the allowable gouge angle. Manually adjusting the flank milling orientation could be tedious and time-consuming. But with the U-Pass feature, you can take advantage of flank milling more easily for near-net rest stock.

This is done automatically when you select U-Pass blade-to-blade and flank milling orientation in a roughing operation.

Adaptive machining – more degrees of freedom

Define your degrees of freedom for rotation and translation in X, Y, and Z directions using the Transform – Best Fit tool. Previously we only supported rotation and translation along the Z axis, the most common method for our rotationally symmetrical parts, but this does not cover 100% of user cases. This addition to adaptive machining gives you more flexibility for calculating the best fit.
After choosing Transform from the Adaptive toolbar, select the desired degrees of freedom from the Rotation drop-down list.

Additional Fixes and Improvements

• Updating of keyboard shortcuts – Press the T key and select an operation to display only the selected toolpath, and press the S key to display only the selected stock.
• Improved simulation efficiency
• New Run-order customization options
• Rest stock generation for 3+2 perimeter operations
• Import of CAD models supported on base license
• Basic toolpaths now supported on base license
  • Surface
  • Curve
  • Hole Making
  • Probing
  • Import APT